KARL G. JOHNSON, PH.D.
The Sarah and Herbert S. Rempel Professor of Neuroscience and Associate Professor of Biology
Pomona College, Claremont, CA 91711
Courses
ID1 – Malfunction of the Mind
“The mind is its own place, and in itself, can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.” —John Milton, Paradise Lost, ~1667. What can neurological disorders tell us about the “normal” mind? Where do personality and identity come from? What does it mean to be insane—or to be sane? How should the criminally insane be treated? We will examine some archaic and modern treatments for mental illness. Through critical readings of popular science literature, we will discuss these topics, culminating in a final project that explores some aspect of mental illness in modern society.
Biology 41C – Introductory Cell Chemistry and Cell Biology with Laboratory
Introduction to components of and processes that occur in living cells. Includes cell chemistry, intermediary metabolism, energy transduction and specialized topics, including protein trafficking, cellular motility and signal transduction. Prerequisites: Biology 40, Chemistry 1a,b or 51.
Neuroscience 130 – Vertebrate Sensory Systems with Laboratory
Vertebrates possess remarkable adaptations for exploring their external environment. We will examine the senses of smell, taste, touch, vision and hearing at molecular, cellular and systems levels, with particular focus on the development of these systems. Topics will also include comparative anatomy, physiology, neural coding and exotic sensory systems. Prerequisites: Biology 41C.
Education
Helen Hay Whitney Post-doctoral Fellow, David Van Vactor Laboratory, Harvard Medical School (2001-2005): The identification of ligands for the receptor tyrosine phosphatase LAR
Ph.D., Christine Holt Laboratory, Cambridge University, United Kingdom, (1997-2000):
Characterizing the roles of receptor tyrosine phosphatases during visual system development
M.A., University of California – San Diego, 1995-1997
B.A., Grinnell College, 1991-1995